Motel Construction Bid Is Rejected

A Los Angeles city zoning administrator has denied a controversial request to build a 21-unit motel on Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington, saying the owners of the property have not properly maintained their existing motel on the same site.

“The physical condition of this place is absolutely deplorable,” said Associate Zoning Administrator James Crisp in an interview Thursday, shortly after he turned down the application submitted by Chao-Ching Lee and his wife, Su-Yun.

In addition, Crisp said evidence showed that the 13-unit Crest Motel at 1104 W. Pacific Coast Highway was cited by police, who conducted an undercover operation in which they rented a room there after telling the motel clerk it would be used for prostitution. Knowing that, Crisp said, he could not in good conscience grant a conditional-use permit to Lee for redevelopment of the Crest.

Area residents had also complained about the way Lee managed the motel. “Nobody had any faith or trust in him to keep this motel so that it would not become an eyesore in the community,” said Wilmington community activist JoAnn Wysocki.

The Lees, who may appeal the decision to the city Zoning Board of Appeals, could not be reached for comment.